Resist nothing

Have you ever heard the saying, “what you resist, persists?” That seems like reason enough to stop our resisting, right? If only it were that easy.

The thing is, even if we know we need to not resist, it’s hard. By definition, that which we shouldn’t resist is that which is driving us most crazy, or that which is most on our mind. We are inflamed about this topic, this person, this situation and want only to push against it and keep it away at all costs. But that just keeps us constantly engaged with it.

So how can we resist nothing? How can I resist nothing? How can I let it all just be, and let that be okay?

I’m not entirely sure. And I think it’s the old standards:

Awareness – notice when I’m resisting.

Acceptance – let it be okay that I’m resisting.

Acceptanceagain – let it be okay that the thing I’m resisting exists, and is what it is.

Replacement – perhaps find something else to focus on.

Repetition – have you also found it to be an ongoing process? Or is that just me? As soon as I replace, I sometimes find myself back at awareness…and so on.

I was listening to a guided mindfulness meditation today. (Tara Brach is amazing!) I was led into mindfulness, into allowing, into letting be whatever is. This seems to me to be the essence of resisting nothing. I simply need to acknowledge that things are what they are, and that, in the big picture, it’s all okay. And in that acknowledgement, that decision to not fight with whatever is upsetting me in the moment, lies calm and peace.

Resist nothing. When I no longer resist, things do seem to pass, or at least to pass easier. Whatever I’ve been resisting seems to take its breathing space, and that somehow gives me breathing space.

I don’t claim to understand it. I simply acknowledge that I love the peace, space, and calm it gives me.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!